Decision making is the essence of management. This module explores some of the conceptual issues around decision making, as well as looking at how objective and subjective decisions can be, and are, made.

Topics addressed on this module may include:
• The role of decisions in business and management
• The human factor – cognitive bias and other thinking modes
• Decision making tools
• Evidence and evaluation
• Life after a decision – investment, rapprochement and reconsideration
• Innovation and digital technologies

A work based assignment incorporating a range of decision making tasks, to demonstrate the use of appropriate tools and approaches (2,000 words) (Learning Outcomes 1 - 3 )

Anderson, D.R. 2014, An introduction to management science: quantitative approaches to decision making, 2nd edn, Cengage Learning EMEA, Andover.

Simon, J.L. 2016, Developing Decision-Making Skills for Business, Taylor and Francis, Armonk, N.Y.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Module website

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF DECISION MAKING PRINCIPLES Knowledge & Understanding

2. EVALUATE THE TOOLS USED FOR MAKING DECISIONS, AND UNDERSTAND THE CONSTRAINTS NECESSARY WHEN EMPLOYING THEM.
Analysis
Application

3. APPLY DECISION MAKING TECHNIQUES IN A REALISTIC SETTING.
Problem Solving

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.